The Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute and the Metro Atlanta Chamber partner to present the Metro Atlanta Energy Series (formerly the Georgia Tech Energy Series), a monthly networking and educational event designed to bring together the Atlanta community around discussions of the trends, technologies and policies shaping the national and regional energy landscape.

“Few sectors affect the prosperity of every sphere of economic and social life as energy,” said Tim Lieuwen, Executive Director of Georgia Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute. “We are excited to partner with the Metro Atlanta Chamber to promote better understanding and broader engagement in the development of clean, secure, and affordable solutions to our energy needs.”

The series kicks off its inaugural season from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015 with, “Bottom of the Barrel: What Cheap Oil Means for Businesses, Energy Consumers, and the Clean Energy Economy.” The discussion will provide an overview of the underlying drivers of the recent decline in oil prices, and how increasing uncertainty and market volatility are creating both challenges and opportunities across the energy value chain. Mike Whitlatch, Vice President, Global Energy and Procurement, United Parcel Service (UPS); Tom Cunningham, Chief Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Jennifer Clark, Professor/Director, Georgia Tech Center for Urban Innovation, will participate in the panel discussion.

"The Metro Atlanta Chamber recognizes the need for a collaborative energy forum for Atlanta and the Southeast," said Troels Adrian, Director of Supply Chain and Advanced Manufacturing at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "The Metro Atlanta Energy Series connects thought leaders from research, industry, government and the community to explore regional energy trends, best practices and new policies focused on addressing the energy challenges we collectively face."

Lunch will be served beginning at 12:00 p.m.  All events are free and open to the public and will be hosted in the Hodges Room on the third floor of the Centergy Building in Tech Square at 75 5th Street, NW, unless otherwise noted. For participants’ convenience, events will also be streamed live at:
http://energy.gatech.edu/live-webcast

Save the date for these future energy series events and topics: 
October 28, 2015 -   Regulatory Environment
December 2, 2015 – Natural Gas Risks and Opportunities 
January 27, 2016 –  Cybersecurity & Energy
February 24, 2015 – Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Opportunities 
April 27, 2015        – Residential Energy Management/Economic Realities

More details will be coming soon on these and other Metro Energy Series events. To register for the September 23rd discussion and for information on future events, visit:
http://energy.gatech.edu/clean-energy-series-1